Baltimore Ravens vs. New Orleans Saints: Roster Battles on display
By Tyler Beard
The Final Baltimore Ravens preseason game has many roster battles on display:
We’ve reached the final preseason game and there is still plenty of uncertainty on who could make the Baltimore Ravens.
The matchup against the Saints gives bubble-players one final chance to make the 53-man roster.
Let’s take a look at the roster battles to watch out for in Thursday’s game.
Quarterback: Ryan Mallett vs. Josh Woodrum
Mallett is a heavy favorite to win this battle, but Woodrum could open up the discussion if he has an outstanding performance against the Saints.
Mallett was flat against the Bills and Woodrum had a big chance to make it an open competition for the No. 2 spot. However, he missed some big chances and didn’t do enough to change Harbaugh’s mind.
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Woodrum needs to put together the best game of his life on Thursday if he wants to make the team. He’s facing tough odds, but don’t tell that to the guy that came from Liberty. He might just surprise you.
Running back: Bobby Rainey vs. Taquan Mizzell
Last season, the Ravens only kept three running backs. It might be a different story this year, as Terrance West hasn’t impressed this preseason and Danny Woodhead is dealing with an injury.
Buck Allen has all but carved up a roster spot, meaning the fourth running back spot is down to Rainey and Mizzell.
Rainey has been with the team before, but Mizzell has clearly out-performed him. He’s shown a quick burst and is a receiving threat.
Both backs will get a fair chance to battle it out and Mizzell has the upper-hand so far.
The undrafted free agent from Virginia could lock up a spot with a good game against the Saints. He’s already made it hard enough for John Harbaugh and his staff to cut.
Wide Receiver: Michael Campanaro vs. Chris Matthews vs. Quincy Adeboyejo vs. Griff Whalen vs. Keenan Reynolds
The top four receivers are locked up, meaning there’s two spots left between quite a few players.
Right now, Campanaro looks to have the lead, as he’s done well as a punt returner and looks to be healthy (for now).
That hurts Reynolds and Whalen’s chances. Both players were looking to crack roster in the return game and don’t offer much at receiver. It’ll take a touchdown-type performance to unseat Campanaro.
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That leaves the sixth spot down to Adeboyejo and Matthews.
Adeboyejo has shown flashes throughout camp and Matthews’ frame gives the team an extra bid-bodied receiver.
It’s a close battle between the two and it might come down to who makes the most plays against the Saints.
Inside Linebacker: Bam Bradley vs. Brennen Beyer
Albert McClellan’s season-ending injury opened up a linebacker spot and it will likely come down to Bradley or Beyer.
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Bradley has been very impressive, making tackles all over the field. His special teams play is also valuable, especially with McClellan’s absence, which could force the Ravens to keep him.
Beyer is on the outside-looking-in and will struggle to make the team. However, the Ravens gave him a chance last year and his familiarity at least gives him a chance to battle Bradley for the position.